Chapter 214


    Chapter 214 His Birthday


    Ryan called to check on my injury just as I considered heading to the office that morning.


    When I arrived, he spotted me and rushed over to check my face. “Is everything okay? Will it leave a


    scar?


    Does it still hurt?”


    My face had improved quite a bit over the past few days. The deeper scratches had faded to faint


    marks, and the finer ones were barely noticeable. It didn’t look as bad as it did initially.


    He then pulled me to sit on the sofa and updated me on recent happenings at thepany. Celine had


    ordered the abandonment of thend, leading to the Echelon Group’s victory.


    “Celine gave up?” I asked skeptically.


    “It seems like she’s trying to slow As’s growth.”


    I was surprised and asked, “Are you suggesting she’s sidelining As to diminish his influence?”


    “Our joint project with ATL Empire isn’t looking great.”


    I mused


    v over th


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    Estates can step in now.”


    ongoing contracts. “It looks like it’s going to get rough. Thankfully, Hearnd


    “The projects already under construction won’t be affected, but we have a three–year agreement with


    ATL Empire. Any disruption during this time could hinder our growth.” He looked worried and said, “We


    should prepare for potential issues.”


    As Ryan spoke, I thought of Atticus. I had a feeling that he might be able to help.


    However, I quickly dismissed the thought. I shouldn’t get too close to him. Both ATL Empire and


    Echelon Group had their fair share of uncertainties.


    After we talked for a while, I went back to my office. I pondered about this three–way rtionship


    between ourpanies.


    I had confidence in As. His decision to attend Echelon Group’s celebration party wasn’t simple.


    “Why do you think I’d give in to him?” he asked on the phone the other day. I was sure he had a n.


    couldn’t deny the gap in my understanding of ATL Empire’s internal situation. I debated if I should ask


    Grayson or have him investigate. However, since As had sent me Grayson, I wasn’t sure if my


    actions


    would cross any lines.


    On As’s birthday, I prepared several of his favorite dishes. However, I didn’t rush to make them,


    Instead, I made ate night feast. I cooked with care, focusing on every detail, regardless of whether


    he Red eaten elsewhere.


    Sure enough, he returnedte that night. Ava had eagerly waited for him to cut the cake, and she


    wanted to blow out the candles with him.


    Ava eventually fell asleep in my arms. I called him, but no one answered for a long time.


    I soothed Ava to sleep and walted on the second–floor deck that overlooked the road leading to our


    home. The night grew deeper, and the dishes grew cold.


    A new day was about to begin, yet there was no sign of his car. It seemed he wouldn’t being back


    here tonight.


    With a disappointed sigh, I turned around. Just as I was about to enter the house, car lights appeared


    in


    the distance…